An access gateway establishes a link with at least one terminal device via a user interface module, and obtains a cloud storage service list from a backend server. The access gateway selects one cloud storage service from the cloud storage service list, and authenticates one cloud storage service provider server corresponding to the selected cloud storage service to obtain a backend uniform resource locator (URL). The access gateway downloads backend software from the one cloud storage service provider server according to the backend URL, and installs the backend software. The access gateway provides cloud storage service from the one cloud storage service provider server to the at least one terminal device according to the installed backend software.
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1. An access gateway in electronic communication with a backend server, at least one cloud storage service provider server, and at least one terminal device, the backend server storing a cloud storage service list comprising at least one cloud storage service corresponding to the at least one cloud storage service provider server, the access gateway comprising: at least one processor; a storage system; one or more programs that are stored in the storage system and are executed by the at least one processor, the one or more programs comprising: a user interface module operable to establish a link with the at least one terminal device; an obtaining module operable to obtain the cloud storage service list from the backend server when the user interface module establishes the link with the at least one terminal device, select one cloud storage service from the cloud storage service list, and authenticate one cloud storage service provider server corresponding to the selected cloud storage service to obtain a backend uniform resource locator (URL) of the access gateway; an installment module operable to download backend software from the one cloud storage service provider server according to the backend URL and install the backend software; and a service providing module operable to provide cloud storage service from the one cloud storage service provider server to the at least one terminal device according to the installed backend software.
An access gateway mediates between terminal devices (like computers or phones) and cloud storage providers. The gateway retrieves a list of available cloud storage services from a backend server. The gateway presents this list to a user and, upon selection, authenticates with the corresponding cloud storage provider. After successful authentication, the gateway downloads specific backend software (client) from the cloud provider using a URL provided by the cloud provider. Finally, the access gateway uses this downloaded software to provide cloud storage services from that cloud provider to the terminal device. The gateway includes a processor, storage, and software modules to manage the user interface, service selection, authentication, software installation, and service delivery.
2. The access gateway of claim 1 , wherein the obtaining module requests the backend server for the cloud storage service list according to a simple object access protocol, and receive the cloud storage service list from the backend server according to the simple object access protocol.
The access gateway described previously retrieves the cloud storage service list from the backend server using the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). The gateway sends a request to the backend server formatted according to SOAP, and the backend server responds with the list of available cloud storage services, also formatted according to SOAP. This SOAP interaction enables standardized communication between the access gateway and the backend server, facilitating the exchange of information required for selecting a cloud storage service.
3. The access gateway of claim 1 , wherein the obtaining module is further operable to display the cloud storage service list on the user interface module so that a user selects one cloud storage service from the cloud storage service list.
The access gateway described previously displays the list of available cloud storage services on its user interface. This allows a user to see the available options and choose one to use. The user interface presents the cloud storage service list obtained from the backend server (as described in claim 1), enabling the user to select their preferred cloud storage service, which then triggers the authentication and backend software installation processes.
4. The access gateway of claim 3 , wherein the obtaining module is further operable to transmit the selected cloud storage service to the backend server.
The access gateway described previously, after a user selects a cloud storage service from the displayed list, transmits this selection back to the backend server. This allows the backend server to track which services are being used and potentially customize further interactions or recommendations. By sending the selected cloud storage service back to the backend server, the access gateway provides usage information that the backend can utilize for various purposes.
5. The access gateway of claim 3 , wherein the obtaining module is further operable to authenticate the one cloud storage service provider server according to an open authorization standard, transmit an account and a password input by the user to the one cloud storage service provider server, and receive the backend URL from the one cloud storage service provider server when the account and the password are verified by the one cloud storage service provider server.
The access gateway described previously authenticates with the chosen cloud storage provider using the Open Authorization (OAuth) standard. This involves transmitting the user's account credentials (username and password) to the cloud storage provider's server. If the cloud storage provider verifies these credentials, it then sends the backend URL (needed to download the backend software) back to the access gateway. This ensures secure authentication using a standardized protocol, allowing the access gateway to access the necessary software for providing cloud storage services.
6. A method for providing cloud storage service of an access gateway in electronic communication with a backend server, at least one cloud storage service provider server, and at least one terminal device, the backend server storing a cloud storage service list comprising at least one cloud storage service corresponding to the at least one cloud storage service provider server, the method comprising: establishing a link with at least one terminal device via a user interface module; obtaining the cloud storage service list from the backend server; selecting one cloud storage service from the cloud storage service list; authenticating one cloud storage service provider server corresponding to the selected cloud storage service to obtain a backend uniform resource locator (URL) of the access gateway; downloading backend software from the one cloud storage service provider server according to the backend URL; installing the backend software; and providing cloud storage service from the one cloud storage service provider server to the at least one terminal device according to the installed backend software.
A method is executed by an access gateway for connecting terminal devices to cloud storage. First, the gateway establishes a connection with a terminal device through a user interface. The gateway then obtains a list of available cloud storage services from a backend server. The user selects one of these services. The gateway authenticates with the chosen cloud storage provider, receiving a URL to download necessary backend software. The gateway downloads and installs this software. Finally, the gateway leverages the installed software to provide the selected cloud storage service to the terminal device.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the step of obtaining a cloud storage service list from backend server comprises: requesting the backend server for the cloud storage service list according to a simple object access protocol; and receiving the cloud storage service list from the backend server according to the simple object access protocol.
When the access gateway obtains the cloud storage list from the backend server as described in the previous cloud storage method, it communicates using the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). The gateway sends a SOAP request to the backend server requesting the list, and the backend server responds with the list in SOAP format. This ensures standardized communication for retrieving the available cloud storage services.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the selecting step comprises: displaying the cloud storage service list on the user interface module so that a user selects one cloud storage service from the cloud storage service list.
When the access gateway selects a cloud storage service as described in the previous cloud storage method, it first displays the list of available services on a user interface. The user can then select their preferred service from this list, initiating the authentication and setup process. Displaying the cloud storage list on the user interface enables the user to make an informed decision about which service to use.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising: transmitting the selected cloud storage service to the backend server.
After the user selects a cloud storage service from the displayed list as described in the previous cloud storage method, the access gateway sends this selection back to the backend server. This provides the backend server with information on which services are being used.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of authenticating one cloud storage service provider server corresponding to the selected cloud storage service comprises: authenticating the one cloud storage service provider server according to an open authorization standard; transmitting an account and a password input by the user to the one cloud storage service provider server; and receiving the backend URL from the one cloud storage service provider server when the account and the password are verified by the one cloud storage service provider server.
When the access gateway authenticates with the cloud storage provider as described in the previous cloud storage method, it uses the Open Authorization (OAuth) standard. The gateway sends the user's username and password to the cloud storage provider. If the provider verifies the credentials, it returns the backend URL to the access gateway. This secure authentication process allows the gateway to access the necessary software to provide the cloud storage service to the terminal device.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
March 27, 2011
June 11, 2013
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